Dogs wanted for Festival of the Senses pet parade

Macomb Daily staff photo by David Posavetz
Jennifer Williams and Nancy Martin of Parkway Small Animal and Exotic Hospital in Clinton Township show off a few of their pooch pals. Hospital personnel along with the Macomb Community College Veterinary Technician Program are hosting the inaugural dog parade at Clinton Township’s Festival of the Senses on Saturday, Sept. 22.

The theme of this year’s Festival of the Senses in Clinton Township is Listen to Your Heart, and few creatures touch the hearts of humans as much as their beloved canine friends.

That’s one reason why festival organizers this year have launched a dog parade to open the festival on Sept. 22 at the Clinton Township Civic Center. Poochies can come dressed up and be eligible for prizes in the canine competition.

The first 150 dogs to enter the parade for a $5 fee will receive a doggie goodie bag complete with a Festival of Senses kerchief, dog treats, and other food samples.

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Dogs will be judged in three categories — small, medium and large — for the contests of Best Costume, Owner Lookalike and Best Behaved Dog during the parade.

Proceeds from the registration fee will benefit EARL (Every Animal Rescue League), a rescue program by Parkway Small Animal and Exotic Hospital, and the kitten raising program at Macomb Community College Veterinary Technician Program, both in Clinton Township.

Hosey said both the MCC vet techs and Parkway Hospital have been longtime supporters of community programs in Clinton Township and personnel from both are hosting the dog parade.

Parkway Animal Hospital spokeswoman Jennifer Williams said the EARL program serves as a rescue operation for dogs, cats, birds, small reptiles, and exotics. Proceeds will help the hospital bolster its efforts to have abused or abandoned animals adopted by loving families.

“We’ve had a very good relationship with Clinton Township as we’ve participated in a number of fundraisers and events, so we’re very excited to be part of the fun of the parade,” Williams said.

Likewise, the MCC vet tech students and instructors are ready to see some wagging tails in the parade.

“Our biggest challenge is getting the word out to the public for people who want to participate,” said MCC vet tech spokeswoman Dr. Lori Francis. “It’s a great opportunity to show off your pet and spend quality time with it.”

The parade will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 22 at the Civic Center on Romeo Plank at Canal. Pet owners can pre-register online at www.festivalofthesenses.com. More than two dozen dogs are already signed up. Final registration runs 9 to 10 a.m. on the day of the event. Doggie poop bags will be available for free.

The sixth annual Festival of the Senses will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 22-23 and features more than 100 artists, along with a full entertainment schedule, food, historic displays, and more. There is no admission fee and parking is free. For more information call 586-723-8008.